Saturday, July 21, 2007

You're PMS'ing Pretty Bad, Huh?By PopCultureWhore

Dwight + Pam + Michael = Emmy magic. The Emmy nominations were announced this week and there was plenty of love for my favorite, “The Office”. Rainn Wilson (Dwight) and Jenna Fischer (Pam) secured what I believe are their first nods for supporting roles, while Steve Carrell (Michael) got a nomination for lead actor in a comedy series. The rest of the cast was not forgotten, however, as the show was also nominated for best comedy series. If Rainn does win, I hope he reenacts Dwight’s speech (“Blood alone moves the wheels of history!”).

I actually only watch The Sopranos and given that it recently ended, I’d put my money on the family. House is a favorite among the award show crowd, but usually only for Hugh Laurie. Heroes could emerge as a surprise winner given its following, but I’m going to predict Sopranos.

Again, only watch Sopranos. And again, Hugh Laurie is an Emmy favorite, but James Gandolfini will probably take home the gold. Kiefer’s received some award action in his time, but the Sopranos machine might be too much to topple.

TR Knight might win some support because of the Grey’s scuffle this year, but my vote’s for Michael Imperioli. Christopher’s bloody demise at the hands of Tony after years of battling alcoholism, drug addiction and conflicting desires for his future was shocking and heartbreaking and deserves recognition. I’d be surprised if a Lost cast member took it home, even though we got a lot of background (and intense stares) on John Locke this season. Shatner and Masi will probably split the nerd vote.

Eh, I’m actually not thrilled by anyone in this category. I loved Rachel on Six Feet Under but never got into Brothers & Sisters. Maybe I’ll go with Aida because Janice was just so maddeningly self-centered, yet intriguing. I imagine one of the Grey’s chicks will actually take it home, though.

Comedy Series:30 RockEntourageThe OfficeTwo and a Half MenUgly Betty

Obviously I’m going to go for The Office because it makes my Thursdays bright, though I’m also a big fan of 30 Rock. Entourage has been a little flat this season despite the Medellin fiasco and Ugly Betty’s camp is entertaining but occasionally annoying. Two and a Half Men is basically a more mature Full House. It’s going to come down to The Office and Ugly Betty.

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series:Alec Baldwin, 30 RockExtras, Ricky GervaisTony Shalhoub, MonkSteve Carrell, The OfficeCharlie Sheen, Two And a Half Men

Alec Baldwin has taken home a number of well-deserved awards for his role on 30 Rock, but the irate voicemails he left for daughter Ireland earlier this year might work against him come Emmy time. That could help Steve Carrell step in and take home the prize. Extras is hilarious, but Ricky Gervais kind of serves as a foil to the babblings of his dim-witted sidekick and the various celebrity guest stars rather than leading man. Charlie Sheen really can’t beat Steve Carrell and don’t get me started on Monk.

Emmy loves Julia Louis-Dreyfus so my bet is on her. Tina Fey has done a great job with 30 Rock, but she’s basically a foil for Alec Baldwin. America could be Julia’s biggest competition (she took home the Golden Globe), but Emmy loves the old guard. Felicity’s great, but can Desperate Housewives just die already? The handful of “Weeds” episodes I’ve seen were amusing, but Elizabeth Perkins was more engaging than Mary Louise-Parker.

Supporting Actor, Comedy:

Kevin Dillon, EntourageJeremy Piven, EntourageNeil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your MotherRainn Wilson, The OfficeJon Cryer, Two and a Half Men

Dwight! I was really happy to see Rainn Wilson’s name on this list because he was hilarious this season on The Office. Kevin and Jeremy might split the Entourage vote, but Ari’s been a little restrained this season anyway. Of the few episodes I’ve seen, Neil Patrick Harris is pretty funny on HIMYM, but he’s no Dwight.

Supporting Actress, Comedy:Jaime Pressly, My Name is EarlJenna Fischer, The OfficeConchata Ferrell, Two and a Half MenHolland Taylor, Two and a Half MenVanessa Williams, Ugly BettyElizabeth Perkins, Weeds

It’s between Jenna Fischer and Vanessa Williams for me, personally. Elizabeth Perkins could be a surprise win and Jaime Pressly has received oddly glowing reviews. I’ll go out on a limb and say Jenna Fischer because her Pam character was allowed to do more than answer the phone and stare longingly at Jim this season.

I mention this category only because I love “My Life on the D-List”. Kathy did some hilarious bit in her stand-up routine about how she jokingly bitched out the team from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition when she lost to them last year. She said she’d probably never be invited back again, but she made it.